Growing up in the California Bay Area, I've been to many coast towns, and they all have their own distinct character.
Santa Cruz is known for laid-back surf culture, but fair a few miles downward the coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is all concerning quiescent luxury. There's a coast town for all taste, and California's mild climate makes it uncomplicated to bask the shoreline any period of year.
But whenever I'm craving Mediterranean vibes without the pricey flights and jet lag, Newport Beach checks all the boxes.
Newport Harbor feels small akin Southern California and additional akin a European retreat town
Newport Beach is residence to complete 10 miles of pristine coastline, which isn't rare in California, but it's the harbor, comprised of eight small islands and interconnected waterways, that makes this destination awareness akin a luxurious European retreat town.
The distinct isle neighborhoods recommendation item for everyone, whether that method exploring the dirt and surf, riding the historic Ferris rotor at the Balboa Fun Zone, or sipping a cocktail in a poolside cabana.
Our kids affection the beach, and on our most latest summer trip, we made that a priority. We swam at the outdoor h2o park at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, anywhere the kids climbed the inflatable slides and cannon-balled into the chill harbor water.
Another day, we grabbed a outing lunch from A Market on the way to Newport Beach Municipal Beach. We spent the day playing in the sand, operating in and out of the water, and observing the surfers capture motion following motion as the tide rolled in.
The food environment centers on the h2o — and there's many of caller seafood
One of the finest things concerning Newport Beach is the food. Waterfront restaurants are everywhere, giving you plentifulness of chances to sit rear and savor your meals alongside a view.
We particularly loved the Lighthouse Cafe for waterfront views and straightforward coast access. Our kids enjoyed observing paddleboarders in the harbor during devouring cheeseburgers and lobster rolls, made alongside fresh-tasting lump lobster flesh and drizzled alongside melted butter.
One of my favorite spots for soaking up Newport Beach's laid-back luxury vibes is Lido Marina Village, which is ideal for group observing alongside its roomy outdoor dining options.
We additionally ate dockside at Lido Bottle Works and enjoyed a front-row perspective of the yacht-filled harbor and glowing pink sunset. It felt akin a true escape.
Even restaurants without beachfront views clasp the coastal life.
We enjoyed Mediterranean cuisine at CUCINA enoteca, which featured freshly made pasta and absolutely paired Italian wines. Our kids got to create their own pizza tableside, which was a memorable meal activity.
At Sushi Roku, my hubby and I enjoyed several of the freshest sushi rolls we've always tasted, during my kids were mesmerized by their flaming cotton-candy dessert.
You don't need a yacht to get a sensation of Riviera life
Newport Beach seems made for outdoor living. The Mediterranean climate allows for year-round outdoor experiences, from dining and buying to boating and surfing.
Many beaches and resorts recommendation a assortment of recreation rentals akin kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and pedal boats, but the finest way to bask a small bit of the luxury on the h2o is on Newport's own Duffy electric boat.
The Duffy was created in Newport Beach decades ago, and it's motionless among the most iconic ways to perspective the harbor. There are multiple ways to rent them about town if you desire to do fair that.
We enjoyed a two-hour self-guided container ride, and it was the ideal amount of period for our small kids. Even without much boating experience, it was uncomplicated to run through the canals.
Our family enjoyed the landscape and amazing views of waterfront homes and luxury yachts that you can lone really cognition from the water.
We equal pulled our container up to Woody's Wharf for a dock-and-dine lunch that felt akin item out of a movie.
Ultimately, I affection that Newport Beach offers resort-town amenities without the long-haul flights
Newport Beach has a assortment of hotels, from award-winning luxury resorts akin The Resort at Pelican Hill to Balboa Bay Resort, which offers straightforward harbor access.
If you're looking for glamping vibes, you can inspect out cottage rentals and RV sites alongside straightforward coast admission at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.
If you desire a retreat alongside European-style walkability, regard staying at Lido House. It's located at Lido Marina Village and surrounded by shops and restaurants, so you have everything you need in one spot.
On our most latest trip, we stayed at VEA Newport Beach, anywhere we enjoyed its family-friendly amenities, spa, and uncomplicated admission to the shops and restaurants at Fashion Island. Our kids played for hours in the heated pool, and the sunset views were magical.
California is residence to several of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and alongside its mild climate, there's never a bad period to visit.
However, whenever it comes to finding Mediterranean vibes stateside, Newport Beach volition continually be my pick.
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Blythe Chadim is a freelance author in Denver, CO. She focuses on all things family, including lifestyle, travel, health, and Denver living. She enjoys the outdoors and loves taking new adventures alongside her hubby and two boys.
